Management of asthma emergencies.

The patient with asthma experiencing an acute exacerbation has been described clinically via case scenarios. Exacerbation severity has been defined, and the specific factors that differentiate the exacerbation have been identified. Home and hospital management has been delineated, and algorithms identifying pattern recognition and management that assist in clarifying the standard for care of an exacerbation have been provided. The nurse's role in asthma care includes administering therapy according to evidenced-based guidelines and providing targeted education to the patient and family that results in trigger avoidance and control of asthma.